I Vespri Siciliani

The classical music world is celebrating Verdi’s bicentenary this year and Radio 3 is leading the way by broadcasting all of his operas over the next 12 months. This Tuesday, don’t miss a performance of I vespri Siciliani recorded at the Vienna State Opera and conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. Soprano Angela Meade stars alongside tenor Gregory Kunde and baritone Gabriele Viviani.

The opera is set against the backdrop of the Sicilian Vespers of 1282. Elena (played by Meade) is a firey Sicilian who is in love with Arrigo – both of them poud Sicilian patriots with a passionate hatred for the French who have occupied their country. But things get a bit more tricky when it turns out that Arrigo is actually the son of the French oppressor, Monforte.

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